Business Notebook for October 26

Zumba Many of those attending Warwick’s recent celebration of “Ladies Night Out,” had an opportunity to see or even to participate in a demonstration of the “Zumba” fitness system. That evening, Judy Batista, director of Jubilee Multi-Cultural Arts Dance Center, 87 Ronald Reagan Boulevard, sponsored a “Zumba” exercise demonstration at Railroad Green and introduced her “Zumba” instructor, Damola Akinyemi. Bystanders were amazed by Akinyemi’s energy and what obviously looked like a fun workout set to lively music. “Zumba,” said Batista, “is a fusion of Latin, African and International music and dance, which creates a dynamic, exciting and effective fitness system.” She explained that Zumba, which is for people of both sexes and all ages and fitness levels, uses the principles of fitness interval and resistance training to maximize caloric output, fat burning and total toning, all while having a party. Damola Akinyemi, who comes from Africa, is a qualified fitness trainer and certified Zumba instructor. He’s lived in over 30 countries on four continents. “Damola makes his classes fun and exciting and you just get uplifted by his energy,” said Batista. “Anyone can teach or take training, but Damola is a total fitness package. He really breathes, lives and is Zumba.” There are over 2,000 Zumba instructors worldwide. “After arriving in America from Spain,” said Akinyemi, “I made up my mind to go into the fitness industry and while working at the YMCA as a trainer, I stumbled onto the workout routine called Zumba. I fell in love with it because I found a fun workout that could actually guarantee weight loss while having a blast. I’m so passionate about Zumba and what I do that I’ll guarantee money back on all classes.” He also promises that Zumba is fun, easy to do and a great “feel-happy” workout for both the body and the mind. Zumba classes at Jubilee Multi-Cultural Arts & Dance Center are available Tuesdays at 8:15 p.m., Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. For information call 987-4207 or visit www.jubileepresents.com Step it up According to Patrick Gallagher, you can take a first step towards reducing pollution at home. Instruction on how to do this will take place on Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Warwick Valley Community Center. Gallagher is the owner of Gallagher Solar Thermal, a Warwick solar contracting company that specializes in installing and maintaining solar systems for heating water, swimming pools and interior space.. “Bring along your energy bill and get advice on how to go green on the spot while saving money,” said Gallagher. He explained that solar power systems specialists and installers will be on hand at the Community Center to help visitors understand what they can do to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Nov. 3 has been designated a national day of climate change awareness. The event is being organized as a result of a recent successful national effort by the group, “Step It Up.” Gallagher, a local solar-hot-water contractor who is helping to organize the event, can be reached at 258- 0749 or visit info@solarthermalsolution.com Small business forum Next Wednesday, Oct. 31, Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt (R,I,C-Greenwood Lake) and Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton will host a small business forum at Warwick Town Hall, 132 Kings Highway, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rabbitt is a member of the Assembly Republican Small-Business Task Force and she herself is a small business owner. The forum is designed to listen to the concerns, questions and comments of small business owners as well as local officials. “In addition to listening,” said Rabbitt, “we will also be trying to educate our small-business leaders about the services and resources that exist to assist them in running their businesses more profitably and efficiently,” said Rabbitt. Local business owners and public servants are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served. “We in Warwick,” said Supervisor Michael Sweeton, “ recognize that the life blood of our community is small business. If there is any way we can assist our small business owners we need to do it. This forum will fit in well with our overall plans to encourage business development in the Town of Warwick.” Get organized Just in time for the holidays, professional organizer Lisa Montanaro of LM Organizing Solutions in Warwick, will teach a three-week “Get Organized!” course at Orange-Ulster Boces in Goshen on Monday evenings, Nov. 5 and 19, and Dec. 3, from 6:30-9 p.m. “Learn what contributes to clutter, and effective methods to reduce it,” said Montanaro. She explained that she will discuss hot spots of disorganization, slaying the paper beast, controlling clutter and time management. Participants will learn strategies for organizing their homes, offices and lives. LM Organizing Solutions, LLC, is a professional-services firm offering organizing, business and life coaching and motivational speaking to individuals, organizations, and corporations. For additional information contact Lisa Montanaro at 988-0183 or by e-mail at Lisa@LMOrganizingSolutions.com. Grand opening this Saturday Ken and Debbie Kroslak, owners of The Country Life, 40 Main St., Warwick, announced that they will host a grand opening celebration this Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be storewide sales on all furniture and rugs, a gift certificate drawing, wines from Warwick Valley Winery and hors d’oeuvres catered by The Landmark Inn. All are invited. Small-works juried exhibition Bertoni Gallery in Sugar Loaf, is holding its Seventh Annual Small-Works Juried Exhibition. The exhibit opens Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 6. The exhibit features the original small artworks of local and regional artists, in a variety of mediums and price ranges. The opening reception is open to the general public and will be Saturday, Nov. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information call 469-0993 or visit www.bertonigallery.com